Building structure



G. w. HULT ET AL 2,535,494

BUILDING STRUCTURE Dec. 26,- 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Dec 12, 1959 9 5 3 Z 8 1 ig Dec. 26, 1950 G. w. HULT ETAL BUILDING STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Dec. 12, 1939 f M u .66 r .mm W? wA WMWW Z Z Dec. 26, 1950 G. w. HULT ETAL BUILDING STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Dec. 12, 1939 AND f/ARRV ffiwas/wu ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 26, 1950 ca. w. HULT ETAL BUILDING STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Dec. 12, 1939 3 fia. 29 12 I fiusnw MW/VE/Fl/ULT 2mm MRRV/(l/DGSMML ATTOR/VEKF.

I Patented Dec. 26, 1 950 BUILDING STRUCTURE Gustav Warner Hult and Harry Kingsmill, Cleveland, Ohio; said Hult assignor to said Kingsmill Substituted for abandoned application Serial No.

308,806, December 12,1939.

This application June 9, 1944, Serial No. 539,484

11 Claims.

This application is a new application filed in place of our abandoned application Serial No. 308,806, filed December 12, 1939.

Our invention relates to improvements in building structures, and particularly to an improved hollow building block and the structures that may be formed from a plurality thereof combined with other cooperating well known building elements such as foundations, roofs, floors, partitions, doors, windows, etc. Preferably, the improved hollow building block is formed of any suitable metal or alloys of metal, but the same or equivalent block structures may be made of wood, suitable compositions, etc., particularly if the improved block is utilized for toy building sets, models, etc.

The purpose of our invention is to provide a new construction of hollow metal building walls, both exterior and interior, which is simple, practical, economical, and easy to erect.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail certain designs illustrating our improvements in building structures, such illustrations, however, showing only a few of the various forms of structures in which the princples of our invention may be embodied.

In said annexed drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation, partially broken away, on the plane indicated by the line l-l, Figure 2, of a preferred form of the improved hollow building block forming an essential element of our invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the block shown in Figure 1, the view being partial y in horizontal section, longitudinally of the block, and indicated by the line 2-2, Figure 1;

, Figure 3 is a vertical cross-section, taken in the plane indicated by the line 33, Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an end view of the block shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a broken perspective view of an aligning and coupling bar for holding a plurality of adjacent blocks in assembled position;

Figure 6 is a vert'cal cross-section, similar to Figure 3, showing a block having its opposed face side walls lined with insulating material;

Figure '7 is a view, similar to Figure 2, showing a corner block;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective of the interior construction at a joint between adjacent vertical and adjacent horizontal blocks which are aligned in both directions, the view also showing a preferred type of clip utilized for adjacent block flanges having outwardly-directed grooves, upon both sides of which grooves the joints are located;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to that shown in Figure 8, but showing a joint where the adjacent horizontal blocks only are aligned, and a type of clip suitable for such joints;

Figure 10 is a broken vertical section transversely through an outer building wall constructed of assembled blocks of the character shown in Figures l-4, fragmentary portions of the building foundation, intermediate floor, and roof, being also shown;

Figure 11 is a section, similar to Figure 10, through only the top block of a building wall having a modified form of a cap for the top of the wall;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary plan section, longitudinally of a building wall such as illustrated in Figure 10, showing an adaptation of the improved hollow building blocks at the jambs or headers of doors, and at the joints, headers, and

. sills of windows;

Figure 13 is a broken and fragmentary plan section, transversely of an outer building wall, showing an adaptation where an interior partition wall, also formed of the improved hollow blocks, joins the outer wall;

Figure 14 is a perspective view, showing a portion of a corner of a building structure, including a partition wall, formed of hollow blocks of the character shown in Figures 1-4, the vertical joints between hor'zontaly adjacent blocks in the several vertically adjacent courses being staggered;

Figure 15 is a perspective view, showin a portion of a corner of a building structure formed of the hollow blocks, but in which the blocks are aligned in both directions, and in which the blocks are of different dimensions than those shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a fragmentary side elevation showing a construction and arrangement of the improved blocks adaptable to the formation of an inclined wall, such as a roof gable;

Figure 17 is a side elevation, partially broken away, on the longitudinal plane indicated by the line llll, Figure 18, of a modified form of the improved hollow building block, the same having a composition nonconductive intermediate or web structure, such as wood or asbestos webs;

Figure 18 is a plan view of the block shown in Figure 17, the view being partially in horizontal section, longitudinally of the block, and indicated by the line l8-I8, Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a vertical cross-section, taken in the plane indicated by the line l9-| 9, Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a side elevation, partially broken away, on the longitudinal plane indicated by the line 28-23, Figure 21, of another modified form of the improved hollow building block, the same having a dfferent intermediate web structure than that shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 21 is a plan view of the block shown in Figure 20, the view being partially in horizontal section, longitudinally of the block, and indicated by the line 2l-2 I, Figure Figure 22 is a vertical cross-section, taken in the pane indicated by the line 2222, Figure 20;

Figure 23 is a plan view, partially in longitudinal horizontal section, of a modified form of the improved hollow block suitable for building a circular wall;

Figures 24 and 25 are, respectively, a fragmentary vertical cross-section, and a fragmentary side elevation, of a form of improved hollow building block, embodying the principle of our invention, and having outwardlyextended prongs suitable for anchoring interior plaster or exterior stucco;

Figure 26 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section of a joint between a pair of relatively vertical superimposed blocks, illustrating the bolt, screw, or pin method of fastening the blocks together at the inner end of the joint;

Figure 27 is a side elevation, partially broken away, on the longitudinal plane indicated by the line 21-21, Figure 28, of a form of the improved hollow building block, having a structure suitable for fastening adjacent blocks together, without the necessity of using separate coupling and sealing bars Figure 28 is a plan view of the block shown in Figure 27, the view being partially in horizontal section, longitudinally of the block, and indicated by the line 2828, Figure 27;

Figure 29 is a vertical cross-section, taken in the plane indicated by the line 29-29, Figure 27;

Figure 30 is an end view of the block shown in Figure 27;

Figure 31 is a fragmentary perspective of the joint formed by two assembled adjacent blocks of the structure shown in Figures 27-30;

Figure 32 is a side elevation, partially broken away, on the longitudinal plane indicated by the line 32-32, Figure 33, of a form of the improved hollow building block which provides an opening in the joint between adjacent blocks upon the outer face, or the faces, of the wali formed by the assembled blocks, which opening receives mastic, asphalt, or other suitable calking and weatherproofing material:

Figure 33 is a plan view of the block shown in Figure 32, the view being partially in horizontal section, longitudinally of the block, and indicated by the line 3333, Figure 32;

Figure 34 is a vertical cross-section, taken in the plane indicated by the line 3 E3 3, Figure 32;

Figure 35 is a fragmentary perspective of the joint between adjacent assembled blocks of the structure shown in Figures 32-34, the opening in which joint is filled with suitable caiking or weather-proofing material;

Figure 36 is a fragmentary perspective, similar to Figure 35, but showing a mod fled form of joint having calking or weather-proofing mate-- rial;

Figure 37 is a fragmentary vertical Eongitudinal section through two relatively vertically adjacent assembled blocks fastened together by a modified form of clip structure;

Figure 38 is a fragmentary plan section, taken 4 in the plane indicated by the line 38-38, Figure 37; and

Figure 39 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section, taken in the plane indicated by the line 39-39, Figure 37.

Referring to the annexed drawings in which the same parts are indicated by the same respective numbers in the several views, and particularly referring, first, to Figures 1-4, the improved hollow buiiding block I, which is preferably of rectangular side and end formation, includes two identical side members 2 connected in laterally spaced relation by spaced transverse vertical one-piece members in the form of webs 5 having longitudinally-extended flanges I3. Each side member 2 comprises a face plate 2 having a transversely-extended edge flange comprising an inner terminal edge portion 8 and an outer portion 9 connected by an intermediate U-shaped portion 1 having a base part I, and of a length sufficient, and its opposed legs sufficiently spaced, to form an outwardly-directed coupling-bar groove 3 which extends around the plate flange upon all four sides thereof substantially midway the depth of the flange. Both the flange of the side member 2 and the groove 3 extend inwardly of the space comprehended between the opposed face plates 2. The flange portions 8 and 9 are in substantial transverse alignment and the legs of the U-shaped member I forming the groove 3 are in substantially parallel relation.

The grooves 3 are described as being outwardly-directed, although they are formed interiorly of the blocks. By outwardly-directed it is meant that the grooves 3 open outwardly of the blocks or are formed on the exterior faces of the flanges 8-9.

In describing the flanges 89 as being inwardly-extended, applicants mean that they are within, or substantially within, the block area, and that the flange of each face member is opposed to and extended toward the flange of the other face member of the same block.

The side member 2 of the block I is formed up into the described structure from a suitable one-piece rectangular blank suitably cut to form the corners of the flange portions 8 and 9 and the intermediate U-shaped member I, the adjacent corner portions being welded together to form a unitary block side member 2 after the blank has been formed up into the proper shape. In order to form the complete block I, the block side members 2 are. secured to the two ends of the spaced web members 5, the securing being effected by welding the, outer faces of the end portions of the flanges I3 of the webs 5 to the inner faces of the plate flange portions 8 and the inner legs of the U-shaped member 7.

The top and bottom portions of the webs 5 are materially cut away at their central parts, thereby providing relatively large openings II, which effects a considerable lightening of the weight of the block I and also provides continuous horizontal openings through horizontally adjacent blocks I for the accommodation. of pipes, conduits, etc. Continuous vertical openings I2 for such accommodation are provided between adjacent web members 5 of each block I; as also, between adjacent web members 5 of adjacent blocks.

The structure afforded. by an assembly and securing together of the described elements is the hollow block I clearly shown in Figures 1, and 2.

A building wall is formed by assemblin and securing together vertically adjacent courses of such blocks I; as also, securing together the horizontally adjacent blocks in each course, with the adjacent outwardly-directed grooves 3 aligned. Such securing together of the blocks I is eiiected by various convenient means, one of which is shown in Figure 5, and consists of a coupling and sealing bar 4 which is accommodated with a close fit in theopposed grooves 3 of two vertically adjacent courses of blocks I, each course being comprised of the desired number of horizontally adjacent blocks I. Short coupling and sealing bars 4 are used for the vertical joints formed by opposed grooves 3, such short bars 4 lying intermediate the adjacently upper and lower long longitudinal coupling and sealing bars 4. As shown in Figure 5, the coupling bars 4 are independent members separate from the blocks I which they secure together.

Although a structure of hollow blocks such as described renders it an inherent insulator, satisfactorily so for certain structure without the addition of other insulating materials, the side portions of the block I adjacently interior of the face plates 2, and between the latter and the adjacent leg of the U-band 1, form convenient beds for slabs of insulating material I5, such as shown in Figure 6, if it is deemed advisable to utilize such insulating material, the channel construction formed by the edge portion of the face plate 2, the flange portion 9, and the outer leg of the U-shaped member I, providing efficient means for retaining the insulating slab I5 in position.

A block for the corner of a building is of the same general construction as the block I, Figures 1 and 2, preferably being of the same longitudinal dimension as the block I, and having a notched inner side and outer corner with a ninety-degree angle extension, such as illustrated in Figure 7, wherein a block 6 having the angular extension 6' illustrates the formation.

In assembling a wall from a plurality of blocks I, the vertical joints between laterally adjacent blocks of vertically adjacent courses may be aligned or staggered, and the efiect, insofar as the interior construction is concerned, is shown in Figure 8 for aligned joints, and in Figure 9 for staggered joints. Various forms of clips can be utilized for tying together the adjacent blocks I at their abutting flanges, in addition to the couplin and sealing bars 4 positioned in the opposed grooves 3. For an aligned joint, such as shown in Fi ure 8, a clip I8 can be utilized, which clip I8 is of symmetrical cross-like formation having a central body portion I8' and four equally spaced radial jaw-like arms I8 each adapted to grip two opposed flange portions 8, the opposed pads of these jaws I8 being somewhat flared at their outer edges so as easily to find and enter over the exterior faces of the two flange portions 8. These clips I8 are easily inserted and secured in tying position, as each course of blocks I is laid, by inserting them over the blocks and down through the opening I2 afforded between laterally adjacent block webs 5.

The clip I8 may also be used for staggered vertical joints, but in Figure 9, another form of clip 20, particularly adapted for use with staggered joints, is shown, this clip 20 comprising a central U-shaped elon ated body member 20' adapted to cover the joint formed by the flange portions 8 of two laterally adjacent blocks I and the flange portion 8 of an adjacently vertical block which lap the vertical joint between the two blocks previously mentioned, the body member 20' gripping said three flange portions 8 and having two flange portions 20 extended outwardly therefrom, one of which presses against the inner longitudinal leg of the U-shaped member I of the overlapping block I, and the other of which flanges 20 presses against the adjacent inner longitudinal legs of the U-shaped members I of the two laterally adjacent blocks I, this latter flange 2|] being transversely slotted to accommodate the two adjacent vertical flange portions 8 of said two laterally adjacent blocks I.

Figures 8 and 9 clearly indicate the use of the coupling and sealing bars 4. For the constructions shown in Figures 8 and 9 no coupling and sealing members are required other than the members 4 and I 8, or 20, but the improved hollow block can be formed to permit the use of gasket material, mastic, or other suitable calking and weather-proofing material, and the use of other coupling means, as hereinafter fully described.

Referring particularly to Figure 10, there is shown a broken vertical transverse section of an outer building wall built up of a plurality of blocks I, shown in Figures 1 and 2, interlocked with a building foundation consisting of the masonry sub-wall 25, longitudinal girders 2S, and cross-channels 21, and related elements; a flat roof Gil-GI, longitudinal top girders 58, and related elements; and an intermediate floor 4IJ4 I42, and related elements.

For purposes of illustration, the longitudinal foundation girders 26 are shown as mounted at their ends upon the masonry sub-base 25, an angle 23 being secured to said girder 26 and whose vertical leg is fastened by the bolt 33 to the masonry sub-base 25. Upon the top of the masonry 25 is mounted a pad 3I of asphalt upon which rests the end of the girder 26 and the transverse channel 21, there being interposed between the pad 3| and the girder 26 and channel 21 an inwardly-extended elongated flange 32 of an exterior wall-bottom sill 32 which, at the top, is inclined inwardly and has a top terminal portion of angular formation of which the extreme terminal portion 34 is adapted closely to fit within the portions of the exterior grooves 3 which are upon the bottom sides of the bottom hollow blocks I of the building wall. Extended into the opposed inner grooves 3 of said bottom hollow blocks I is an upwardly-directed flange 36 of an angle 35 which extends transversely across and below the bottom hollow blocks I and rests upon the girders 26 and the channel 21, this angle 35 being secured, as by screws 38, to the girders 36, the screws 38 passing through a plate 31 which rests at its ends upon the flange portions 8 of the side members 2 of the bottom hollow blocks I. Secured to the inner faces of the hollow bottom blocks I is a base-board 30 which rests upon the floor 29 mounted upon the girders 26.

At the roof, for purposes of illustration, there is shown an upper exterior finish member, in the form of an overhanging cornice 51, which has a lower angular portion whose outwardlyextended terminal 58 is closely fitted within the outer grooves 3 of the tops of the top hollow blocks I. The top portion 59 of the cornice 5'! is bent inwardly and inclined upwardly and secured to an upwardly-extended angular marginal portion of the roof surface BI by an angular ridge member 59. The inner end of the cor- 7 :nice 15:"! is bent angularly downwardly and secured under the :roof plates B8. The top girders 56 *cover the inner grooves 13 at the tops of the uppermost hollow blocks :l and the corner at the joint between the bottoms the girders 56 and the inner faces 2 of the topmost hollow blocks .1 .is finished by securing insaid corner-a :base angle 49 whose lower end 54 is bent inwardly in semihook formation and bears iagainst'the body portion of :an inwardly-spaced :angle 53 having a lower outwardly-bent channel portion 52 whose terminal portion bears flush "against the upper faces 2' of the uppermost blocks l 'in vertical alignment with the outer face of the angle 49, the upper part of :the angle 56 also having an outwardly-extended channel portion 'interiorly engaged by an inwardly-extended angular portion :53 of the angle 49. The angle 49 is secured .tothe under surfaces of the girders Stand to the .inner face plates 2 of the uppermost hollow blocks I, as by screws :62, "the heads of these screws 62 :being hidden beneath the angle 50.

Figure also shows an intermediate floor associated with the wall assembledfrom the hol- :low blocks 2!. For purposes of illustration, a coping I53 is shown for this combination, the sarneibeing quite similar in structure to the bottom of the cornice 5 and the top of the lower sill 32, in that the lower portion of the intermediate coping 43 is'of angular formation whose terminal is closely fitted in the exterior grooves 3 at the tops of the hollow blocks whose upper surfaces lie flush with the bottoms of the floor girders 45, said intermediate coping '43 also .hav- 'ing an upwardly-inclined top portion whose terminal 44 is of angular formation and is closely fitted into the outer grooves '3 atthe bottoms of those hollow blocks I whose lower surfaces are substantially in alignment with the floor 4|. Extended into the inner grooves 3 of the bottoms of those hollow blocks 1 which cooperate with the top of the intermediate coping '43 .is the upwardly-extendedangular end &6 of a plate t5 which ,rests upon the girders All and extends transversely across'the lower ends of the adjacent hollow blocks ii and which is secured to the girders 4i) and also to the hollow blocksby screws 63 passed througha plate *4! mounted .at its side edges upon the flange portions 13 of the hollow blocks 1. A .finish is provided for the bottom corners of the upper compartment above the floor A! 'by'a baseboard- 2.8. and a :finishfor the upper corner of the lower compartment below the irders All by a structure similar to that which has-been described hereinbeforerelative to the upper corner of the upper compartment.

Referring particularly to "Figure 11, there is disclo ed a modified form of cap 55 for the top of a building wall and adapted to cooperate with the topmost hollowblocks Ii .of the wall, this cap comprising an upwardly-extended body portion having 'opposedside plates, and opposed end plates (not shown), together with a crown top structure 66, and lower inwardly-extendedangular portions formed into intermediate outwardlydirected grooves 3, similar to the groove formations shown in the hollow block of Figures 1 and 2, these grooves 3' being aligned with the respective grooves 25 of the top hollow blocks I and accommodating, in conjunction with the i grooves 25, a coupling and sealing bar The cap (55, of Figure '11. is shownas being provided with a block'fil of insulating material.

Referring particularly to Figure 12, there .is

8 of the :improved hollow block I to the headers of doors and sills of windows set into such wall. For this adaptation, the outwardly-directed grooves 3 of the sides of the adjacent hollow blocks 1! "are aligned with corresponding grooves 3 formed in a zbox-like member :14 extended throughout the height or width of the header or sill-and having an intermediate extension portion directed toward the window or door space and against which bears the edges of the window casement H, or the jamb of the door, the door 'or window threshold or ledge being indicated by the dot-and-dash showing 1-0. The outer side .of the box-like member 14 is of an angular and groove structurecomplementary to theend structures-of a pluralityof superimposed blocks I. To fastentogether the adjacent elements'of the wall and window, or door, 1. -e., the flange portions 8 of the hollow block 'I, and flange portions 14 of the box-like member 14, clips l8, similar to those shown in Figure 8, may be utilized. If desired, clips 20, such as those shown in Figure 9, are suitable for use at this point. Also, coupling and sealing bars '4 are mounted with a tight fit in the aligned grooves 3 and 3 of the adjacent hollow block I and the box-like member 14, respectively.

Referring particularly to Figure 13, which is a brclren fragmentary plan section through a building wall assembled from the improved hollow blocks i and an abutting partition wall T7 also formed of hollow blocks of this character, it will be noted that the blocks 1 of the partition wall ii are turned in a horizontal plane at a ninety-degree angle to the position of the blocks of the main outside-wall. The-end blocks of the partition wall '71 are secured to the inner face plates 2' of the hollow blocks of the outside wall by vertical plates 89 :iastened tightly against the terminal flange portions 8 of the end blocks I of the partition wall ll through the medium of screws 8! which pass through the inner face plates 2 of the outer wall blocks I. The partition wall ii is assembled by a combination of interlocked bloclcs, similar to the assembly for the main outside wall, these hollow blocks of the partition wall 'i-l being, as stated, laid at a ninety-degree angle to the main wall blocks.

Figures ill-Band the description of the struc- 'tures shown therein illustrate how readily the improved hollow building block I is adapted for cooperation with other building elements; as

"also, illustrate how the same structure of block can b; used for longitudinal walls, transverse walls, vertical walls, and horizontal walls. Furthermore, there is no undue expense or labor involved in adapting the block wall assembly to the other parts of the building, or in combining it with known building materials and by approved methods of constructing buildings.

The assemblies designed to be illustrated by Figures l4 and l5'will be clearly understood by an inspection of said figures, it being .noted that Figure 14 illustrates a corner of a main wall and the corner of a cooperating partition wall, in which walls the hollow blocks i and 5 :are laid so "that the vertical joints between horizontally adjacent blocks are staggered .in adjaont courszs; and that Figure 15 illustrates the formation at corner of a main wall comprised of hollow blocks 1&5 'of different dimensions than the block 1, shown in Figures 1 and ,2, and laid so thatathe vertical ,aoints arealigned. .Both Figshown .an adaptation of a building wall formed 75 ures .114 and :15 Iindicate the adaptation :to the walls shown therein of a couple of window struc tures.

As is well known, it may be desirable that various walls of a building structure, such as the wall of a roof gable, for instance, be inclined, and Figure 16 is a fragmentary side elevation of such an adaptation formed from the improved hollow block I. In Figure 16, considered as illustrating a portion of a roof gable 81, mounted upon the main roof, or upon the top of a building side wall 88, the wall of the gable 81 is formed of complete blocks I combined with partblocks 86 formed to give the desired inclination to the s de of the gable 81, the part-blocks 86, shown in Figure 16, being substantially halfblocks, of triangular formation, to give a gable inclination of forty-five degrees.

The form of improved hollow building block 99 shown in Figures 17-19 includes non-conductive intermediate or web structures, such as composition or wood-treated webs. Composition webs 9I is the type of webs actually shown in these Figures. Inasmuch as the composition slabs 9I are non-conductive, they can be set at their side edges snugly against the face plates 2 and they are thus shown in Figure 19, and hence contribute considerable compressional strength to the block faces 2. In order to secure the composition slabs 9I to the two side portions 99 of the block 9! angles 92 are provided, one for each side portion 90' of the block 99, secured in parallel relation with the faces 2 to the portions 8 of the peripheral flanges of the face plates 2, such securing being preferably by welding, as illustrated by 94, and prongs 93 are formed from the material of these angles 92 and passed through pre-punched holes in the composition slabs 9| and clinched against the opposite faces of the slabs 9|. The provision of the angles 92 and the welding thereof to the flanges of the face plates 2' also provides additional strength to the block 90.

amelled blocks are required, since the two side portions of the block so can be enamelled separately, and no welding would be required in order to secure the enamelled side portions to the non-conductive web 9| in assembling the block elements into a unit.

The form of improved hollow building block shown in Figures 20-22 also has advantages providing additional strength and the cutting down of heat and cold transfer and sound penetration through the block walls. In this form of block 98, the intermediate connecting and strengthening webs 99 are each comprised of a pair of straps which are welded at their ends to the portions'8 of the flanges of the face plates 2 and welded to each other in an area intermediate their ends. Each of the straps of this web 99 is secured by angular end portions to only one flange portion 8. The central area 99 of each web strap is secured to a like area of the other strap. The contacting central areas 99 of the two straps, which are welded together, are each circular in cross-section, as clearly appears in Figure 21, and are very small areas, so that there is a very slight amount of material through which heat and cold can be transferred,

of fluted formation, as also clearly appears in Figure 21.

The improvements in hollow building blocks hereinbefore described are equally applicable to a type of block suitable for building a circular wall, and such a block I I0 is illustrated in Figure 23. The elements of the side portions of the block III] are bent to the desired curvature, with the ends of the two side portions radially aligned, and these side portions connected together by strengthening webs 5, as clearly shown in Figure 23.

The block I05, shown in Figures 24 and 25, is similar to the preferred type of block shown in Figures 1-4 with the added advantage, where such construction is desired, of having prongs I 06 formed out Of the material of the face plates 2 which prongs I06 serve to anchor wall coverings such as interior plaster and exterior stucco.

oftentimes, simple bolts, screws, or p ns, are sufficient, or most de irable, for fastening together the abutting flange portions constituting the joints between adjacent blocks I, and such a method of fastening the inner joint is illustrated by the screw II 5, Figure 26.

The assembling and interlocking of a plurality of hollow building blocks having our improvements, without the necessity of utilizing separate coupling and sealing members, such as the bars 4, can be effected by a structure and reorganization of the block elements, such as shown in the block I29, illustrated in Figures 27-31. This reorganization of the structure of the block elements consists in providing the peripheral outwardly-directed groove I2I in the flange of the face plate 2 only in two adjacent sides of the flange, and, upon the other two sides of the flange, bending the material thereof outwardly to form salients I22 which are aligned with the grooves HI and complementary thereto so as to snugly flt the grooves of an adjacent block when the two blocks are assembled in aligned positions. Referring particularly to Figure 27, the left hand side and the bottom of the face plate 2 has a flange portion in which is provided the groove I2I, and the right hand side and the upper edge of the face plate 2 has a flange portion from which is formed the salient I22, those diagonal corners of the face plates 2 at which an end of the groove I2I and an end of the salient I22 meet being notched, as required. A perspective of the joint formed by two adjacent assembled blocks I29 of the character described is clearly shown in Figure 31.

The flange portions of adjacent blocks thus far described lie flush one with the other, and satisfactory joints between adjacent blocks are afforded. I

oftentimes, however, special expedients are advisable for weather-proofing outside joints, A form of block I30 by means of which such an expedient can be employed is illustrated in Figures 32-35. The underlyin principle is to make use of mastic, or asphalt, or other suitable calking and weather-proofing material at such outside joints. -To effect this result, the block I3!) is formed so as to provide an opening at the outside joint between two adjacent blocks I39, which opening can be filled with the calking and weather-proofing material. This outer opening, such as the opening I3I, Figure 35, is obtained by forming the U.shaped formation I of the flange of the face plate 2 so that its inner leg is longer than its outer leg whereby the flange portion 8' extends outwardly somewhat further than the flange portion 9'. Therefore, when t o blocks I30 are assembled, as shown in Figure 35, with their opposed flange portions 8' closely superposed, the flange portions 9 thereof are somewhat spaced and hence form an open ng I therebetween. This openingl3I is filled with suitable mastic I32 to provide the des red weather-proofed joint.

oftentimes, further, it is desirable to have the mastic for an outside joint set or hard-en into a wedge-shaped body H36 with its broader or base edge adjacent the U-fb-rmations "I Such a structure is illustrated in Figure 36. In developing this structure, when the flanges of the face plates 2 of such blocks I 35 are operated upon to form the U-shaped formations E the flange portions 9 and the outer legs of the U formation 1 are so formed as to cause the plane flange formations 9 to make an acute angle with the face plate 2 and an obtuse angle with the outer plane legs of the U-formations I whereby the desired joint formation in an assemblage of a plurality of the blocks isobtained.

The block joints having mastic or other weather-proofing filler can be used when it is desirable to glaze or fill the joints to form a perfe'ctly smooth or lineless wall, or to point certain joints or to leave exposed lines to form rectangular shapes or plain horizontal or vertical lines as desired. The weather-proofing material or glazing compound is spread on the edges of the hollow blocks after the coupling and sealing bar 4 is forced into place in one block or a course of blocks, and then the adjoining blocks are set into place, and any excessive weather-proofing material or glazing compound forced out of the grooves 3 is glazed smooth or pointed as required.

The calking or other weather-proofing material can be brushed on, or sprayed on, or it can be prefabricated in coils or reels, and cut. to fit when used in the field.

In addition to the clip formations for inner joints, shown in Figures 8 and 9, and the screw fastening shown in Figure 26, a special form of clip Mil for fastening together the inner flange portions 8 of adjacent blocks I is shown. in' Figures 37-39. This clip I48 has an elongated main body structure I42 which is positioned in parallel longitudinal relation with the flange portions 8 of the blocks I secured thereby. The use of the clip I49 requires" the formation of aligned slots MI in the superposed block flange portions 8, through which slots I4I the clip I40 extends, the elongated body portion I42 being above the flange portions 8 and resting at its two ends upon the upper flange portion 8 upon both sides of the upper slot MI, and the lower portion I43 of the clip I49 closely engaging the under face of the lower flange portion 8, adjacent one end of the upper. slot IN, and forming with the superposed end of the upper clip portion I42 a jaw member snugly fitting. over the two thicknesses of flange portions 8. In order to lock the clip I453 in the slots I 45 the small end of the clip opposite that end forming the jaw is provided with a shoulder portion I44 which fits tightly against the adjacent walls of the slots 54!. The last-mentioned structure positively obviates any possible chance of the interlocked blocks shifting relatively. The lower portion I43 of; the clip is made slightly shorter in length than the length of the slots l ii so that the clip may easily dropped through the slots MI and then positioned. For raising the portion I43 of the clip i4, out of the slots MI, a hole I46 is formed in the narrow end of the clip which will serve for engaging the clip with a hook tool so that the clip may be withdrawn as desired. The nose of the lower jaw part I43 is tapered as'indicated by I41 so that the jaw may be freely guided over the edges of the superposed flange portions 3, adjacent one end of the slots I4I, without binding. The upper jaw portion I48 is somewhat longer than the lower jaw portion I43 whereby the clip I4!) is kept from falling through the slots I4I when. it is applied. The lower edge I45 of the narrow end of the clip I 40 is tapered so as to provide an easy entrance therefor into the slots I4I- of the superposed flange portions 8, when the clip I4il is being applied, this tapered edge I45creating a spring tension downward, so that, when the clip I49 is driven home, the shoulder I44 will be automatically locked in position.

We herewith note some of the salient points and important advantages of our improvements in building structures:

The hollow block is extremely strong, and when a plurality of them are formed into a rigid structure, the latter, insofar as a small building, such as a small house, gas station, garage, etc, is concerned, serves without any structural backing or supporting framework. The connecting webs being flanged add materially to the strength of the block;

Each block being comparatively small represents a small area of a wall surface, as compared with metal panels, or metal walls comprised of comparatively few parts, so that each block presents a straight accurate surface, and will not become wavy or otherwise distorted by reason of coating processes, or thermic or other treatments;

Insofar as we are informed, the block will sustain more dead and live loads, erection loads, impact, wind, and other lateral forces, than any known component structural part of comparable weight and size and practicable cost;

The formation of the block minimizes any tendency to buckle or distort under lateral, vertical, or other stresses;

The blocks have more than adequate bearing surface, and are in shear with the coupling bar on both its inner and outer sides for the entire distance around four sides of the block;

The block is fire-resisting;

Both the face sides of the block are identical, and every block is of the same structure as any other block, except for blocks in special positions or at special joints, so that the blocks can be most economically manufactured by straight line production methods. Also, the fact that the blocks are of identical structure facilitates storage, handling, shipping, etc.

Preferably, each block is relatively small, and hence light in weight, and thus can be assembled in the building wall without the necessity of using cranes or other hoisting machinery. Furthermore, the blocks are easily assembled and also dismantled and, therefore, are very convenient for use in making temporary structures.

' Erection and dismantling costs are kept at a minimum, since the design of the block is such that unskilled labor can be employed therefor. Also, the blocks have a high salvage value, and there is little or no labor involved in reconditioning or cleaning them In the assembling of the blocks on the job, no field fitting operations are necessary, such as nailing, sawing, riveting, burning, or welding;

The block can be galvanized, plated, or otherwise treated, to impart rust-resisting properties to the surfaces thereof, such treatment, if desired, being in the nature of an automatic shop coating and drying before storage or shipment; furthermore, the block lends itself to any desired finish, such as porcelain enamel, silica, plating, painting, etc.;

The block will accommodate itself to orthodox architectural designs, and may be used in conjunction with brick, stone, and wood exteriors;

T e range of possible sizes for the block, and still preserve its advantages, is considerable, and it may be of any desired shape, such as curved for adaption to radii, or shaped for corners of polygonal walls, or for wall offsets, bays, tou-ers, etc.;

The structure of the block is such that heat and cold conduction through a wall thereof, or sound penetration, rapidly thins down and dies out;

The block will accommodate various forms of insulating material as desired, and the entire chamber of the block may be filled with such material;

Buildings constructed of the improved blocks particularly insure safety in earthquake areas, inasmuch as it would be possible for the entire foundation under such a building to be destroyed, and the building itself sustain little or no permanent damage, and therefore provide an unusually safe haven;

Whenever any special band or staggered design is desired, the trim of the" blocks, either standard or special blocks, can be fitted to conform to such desired design;

The structure of the blocks, and the manner of interlocking or fastening the same, are such that there is no twisting or other deflective action such as is inherent when nailing, riveting, or welding, are necessary; and

The use of the blocks for walls in lavatories, hospitals, bath rooms, kitchens, and other similar wall adaptations, is highly advantageous, inasmuch as such block walls are rodent-proof, termite-proof, vermin-resisting, will not absorb odors, and are easily cleaned.

What We claim is:

1. A building wall comprised of a pluralit of hollow building blocks each having transversely spaced face members, webs connecting the face members, the latter having opposed inwardlyextended peripheral flanges extended around the block face members, to which flanges the webs are secured, the flanges being formed to provide outwardly-directed grooves adaptable for the accommodation of block-coupling bars, the flanges of adjacent face members being in opposed rela tion, the blocks being assembled in vertically adjacent courses each comprised of laterally adjacent blocks to effect a wall assembly, the grooves of adjacent blocks being in aligned relation upon all opposed block surfaces, coupling bars in the grooves, and clip members respectively securing adjacent blocks together at their opposed flanges.

2. A hollow building block having transversely spaced face members formed with opposed inwardly-extended peripheral flanges, angles secured to the terminal portions of the opposed flanges, non-conductive webs secured to said angles and set at opposite edges snugly against the face members, the flanges being formed to provide outwardly-directed grooves adaptabl for the accommodation of block-coupling bars to effect a wall assembly of a plurality of blocks.

3. A hollow building block having transversely spaced face members, webs of angular formation each consisting of opposed pairs, the opposed webs of each pair being secured to each other over a restricted area intermediate their ends, the face members having opposed inwardly-extended peripheral flanges to which the webs of each pair of webs are respectively secured, the flanges being formed to provide grooves adaptable for the accommodation of block-coupling means to effect a wall assembly of a plurality of blocks.

4. A building wall comprised of a plurality of blocks each having transversely spaced face members, webs connecting the face members, the latter having opposed inwardly-extended peripheral flanges to which the webs are secured, the blocks being assembled in vertically adjacent courses each comprised of laterally adjacent blocksv the flanges of the face members being formed to provide outwardly-directed grooves, the grooves of adjacent blocks being in registerin relation, coupling bars in the registering grooves, and means securing together adjacent blocks comprising a clip, aligned openings in the flange portions of adjacent blocks through which the clip extends and in which it is tightly secured, said clip having a jaw portion tightly gripping said flange portions of the blocks adjacent said openings.

5. A building wall comprised of a plurality of blocks each having transversely spaced face members, webs connecting the face members, the latter having inwardly-extended peripheral flanges to which the webs are secured, the blocks being assembled in vertically adjacent courses each comprised of laterally adjacent blocks, the flanges of the face members being formed to provide outwardly-directed grooves and the flanges of adjacent face members being in 0pposed relation, the grooves of adjacent blocks being in registering relation, coupling bars in the registering grooves, and means securing together adjacent blocks at the opposed flanges.

6. A hollow building block having transversely spaced face members formed with opposed inwardly-extended peripheral flanges, strengthening members secured to the terminal portions of the opposed flanges, webs secured to the strengthening members and set at opposite edges snugly against the face members, the flanges being formed to provide grooves adaptable for the accommodation of block-coupling means to effect a wall assembly of a plurality of blocks.

'7. A building wall comprised of a plurality of vertically-adjacent and laterally-adjacent hollow blocks each having spaced face members formed with opposed inwardly-extended peripheral flanges extended around the block, a web secured to and connecting the flanges of the face members of each block, the flanges of adjacent blocks being in face to face relation to form joints within the blocks, and means securing adjacent blocks together at their opposed flanges, the webs being disposed so as to provide openings into the interior of each block, the face member flanges being formed to provide grooves, and block-coupling means in the grooves, said plurality of blocks being assembled to form the wall with the grooves of adjacent blocks in cooperative relation with each other and with the blockcoupling means in the aligned grooves, whereby the block-securing means can be applied to the interiors of the blocks progressively with the laying of the latter.

8. A building wall, characterized as in claim 7, in which the grooves are outwardly directed, in

which the flanges are provided with intermediate inwardly-extending loop portions constituting the grooves, in which the webs. are flanged, and in which the inner terminal portionsv of the flanges of the face members, are secured to the web flanges.

9. A building wall, characterized as in claim 7, in which the blocks are assembled in verticallyadjacent courses each comprised of laterallyadjacent blocks with the webs thereof in vertical pos'tion, and in which the block-coupling means are bars frictionally held in the aligned grooves and of a length to tie the wall blocks together in groups, thereby to strengthen the wall.

10. A hollow building block having transversely spaced face members formed with opposed transversely-extended peripheral flanges, the flanges being bent inwardly between their edges to form outwardly-directed grooves for the accommodation of an independent block-coupling bar, a strengthening member extended between opposed sides of the flange of each face member in substantially parallel relation to the. member, and av non-conductive web extended across the block from face member to face member and secured to the strengthening members, whereby a plurality of identical blocks can be assembled into a self-contained wall with the grooves thereof aligned and the blocks tied together in selective groups by coupling bars engaged in the aligned grooves, the wall being thereby strengthened.

11. A hollow buildin block having spaced face members formed with opposed inwardly-extended flanges, a 2-part web secured one part each to the respective flanges of the respective face members, the parts of the, web being secured to each other over a restricted. area intermediate their ends, the face member flanges being formed to provide grooves for the reception of block-coupling means, the construction being such that a selfrcontained wall can be formed of a plurality of blocks assembled with the grooves of adjacent blocks, in cooperative relation with each other and with coupling means in the cooperating grooves.

GUSTAV WARNER HULT.

HARRY KINGSMILL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent and in the parent case:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 944,950 Coyne Dec. 28, 1909 1,630,698 Florey May 31, 1927 1,661,183 Junkers Mar. 6, 1928 1,778,881 Alford Oct. 21, 1930 1,962,906 Mueller June 12, 1934 2,017,973 Jenkins Oct. 22, 1935 2,061,281 Lawlor Nov. 17, 1936 2,076,388 Venzie Apr. 6, 1937 2,091,415 Mauser Aug. 31, 1937 2,137,767 Betcone Nov. 22, 1938 2,171,338 Henderson Aug. 29, 1939 2,173,020 Kubach Sept. 12, 1939 2,268,907 Scott Jan. 6, 1942 2,303,837 Gurber Dec. 1, 1942 2,333,999 Guignon, Jr Nov. 9, 1943 2,352,807 Sheldon July 4, 1944 2,369,373 Sheldon Feb. 13, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 820,650 France of 1937 

